Senator Helming, Local State Representatives Call on Department of Labor to Assist Hillside Employees

GENEVA –Senator Pam Helming today announced that she and her fellow local New York State representatives are calling on the New York State Department of Labor to mobilize its efforts to assist employees who will be displaced by Hillside’s recent decision to close its Varick facility. Senator Helming and her colleagues are asking the Department of Labor to put a plan into motion to help ensure that every affected employee is given the resources they need to find new employment or to utilize education and retraining assistance that may be available to them. 

“The employees of Hillside have given their heart and soul to serve troubled youth from across New York State for the last 15 years. We stand ready to do everything possible to work with the New York State Department of Labor and other local agencies to ensure that the employees affected by this decision receive the services and assistance they need. We also need to ensure that local children who are currently served by the Varick campus will be transitioned to programs in the community that can meet their needs. It is important for New York State to work with Hillside students and their parents to make sure these children continue to get the education, therapy, and supports to lead healthy and successful lives. As the New York State Senator representing several hundred Hillside employees and their families, I remain committed to doing everything possible to assist these individuals during this difficult time,” Senator Helming said.

Senator Joe Robach said, “The dedicated employees at Hillside Family of Agencies have made a positive impact on countless children, young adults, and families in our region for generations. The closure of the Varick campus is certainly sad news and will leave a hole to be filled, both in terms of the services they provide to youth and employment for people throughout the Finger Lakes. I stand with Senator Helming and my colleagues in the State Legislature to call on the Department of Labor to assist those who are left unemployed by this closure and ready to help any families during this uncertain time.”